Marcus Franco De Andrade

Herpetologist

As our herpetologist, Marcus Franco De Andrade is responsible for the well being of over 60 animals at Frost Science, including the many amphibians, lizards, snakes, crocodilians and turtles you see at the museum. Additionally, he is working toward establishing captive breeding programs for native endangered species, so as to safeguard Florida’s biodiversity.

Prior to a life in science, De Andrade was an executive chef in Miami for seven years, eventually changing tracks to pursue herpetology full-time at Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in both wildlife and fisheries conservation, and agricultural sciences. While working on those degrees, he gained experience by volunteering his summers at a Florida wildlife sanctuary working with native carnivores. At home, De Andrade maintains a private collection of rare lizards and snakes—an experience that enhances his husbandry techniques at the museum.